Community Unites: Newport Beach Foundation's 5th Annual Rooftop Soirée Raises $32,000 for Police Foundation
Photos Courtesy of Tony Lattimore Photography
On the evening of Wednesday, September 17, nearly 200 guests gathered atop the Topside Lido House for the Newport Beach Foundation's 5th Annual Rooftop Soirée. More than just a social event, this year's gathering was focused on a critical mission: raising awareness and funds for the vital work of the Newport Beach Police Foundation (NBPF), which directly supports the Newport Beach Police Department.
In a time marked by division, the Newport Beach Foundation intentionally centered the event on what unifies the community—the dedication of its public safety officers. The Soirée brought together a broad cross-section of civic leaders and first responders, including on- and off-duty police officers, lifeguards, and firefighters.
The evening was steeped in patriotism and appreciation for service. Guests were treated to an inspiring program that highlighted the commitment of the NBPD:
• The Newport Beach Police Department’s Honor Guard presented the colors in a dignified ceremony.
• Tisha Bellantuoni delivered a live, moving performance of the National Anthem.
• The program culminated in a thrilling flyover by HB-1, a powerful display of community support for public safety.
The Foundation’s ongoing mission is to inform the citizenry and foster relationship-building across public and private sectors. By spotlighting the Police Foundation, the event underscored the importance of a strong, unified community supporting those who keep it safe.
The community’s generosity was immediate and impactful. In a span of just two hours, the event successfully raised $32,000 for the Newport Beach Police Foundation.
Funds will be directed toward several key initiatives that directly benefit the city's police force and their families:
1. Scholarships and Training: The money will provide scholarships for officers and their families seeking to further their education. It will also cover the costs for officers to obtain essential additional training that enhances their skills and ability to serve.
2. Honor Guard Support: A portion of the funds will cover the necessary expenses incurred by the Honor Guard when traveling to perform ceremonies for fallen officers.
The fundraising effort received a powerful boost right at the start, thanks to an incredibly generous donation from Jonathon Curci and his mother Janet Curci, setting a tone of community commitment for the entire evening.
The evening saw significant attendance from public servants and civic leaders, demonstrating strong institutional support for the NBPD. The highlight of the evening was hearing from the newly appointed Police Chief David Miner, whose leadership continues to guide the department's efforts in community policing and public safety.
Notable guests included:
• OC Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Katrina Foley
• Newport Beach Mayor Joe Stapleton
• Mayor Pro Tem Lauren Kleiman
• City Councilmembers Michelle Barto and Robyn Grant
• NMUSD Board Members Andrea McElroy, Carol Crane, and Lisa Pearson
The Newport Beach Foundation's 5th Annual Rooftop Soirée proved once again that when public and private sectors come together to support a common, unifying cause, the impact is significant and immediate. The funds raised will strengthen the NBPD and help ensure that the men and women who protect Newport Beach have the resources and education they need to excel.
